Providing information, education, and training to build knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes that will lead to increased independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion (IPSII) for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA--Last
Friday, a group of disability advocates gathered at the Capitol to condemn
budget cuts proposed by the governor that would significantly reduce housing
support, training and personal care to Minnesotans with disabilities.

Governor Tim Pawlenty's budget proposal calls for $80 million in cuts to
services in an effort to deal with the state's budget deficit. Pawlenty said
funding for health care is out of balance with other spending in the state.

"The governor has referred to the growth in health care spending as a
sumo wrestler that must be confronted," John Tschida, co-chairman of the
Minnesota Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities, told the Star Tribune. The
consortium represents 40 disability groups across the state. "Our sincere hope
is that his sumo wrestler does not acquire a disability, because this budget
proposal, if enacted, would not provide much help."

Tschida said the governor's plan would hurt the people who can least
afford to pay for it. Costs of transportation and prescription drugs would
increase, while agencies such as the Minnesota State Council on Disability and
the eight Centers for Independent Living would receive no state funds, he
explained.

Jenna Morrisette-Johnson, 20, who works at Target and goes to school,
currently lives with her family through the help of in-home personal care
services. She and her family are worried that if such services were cut, she
may have to move into a residential facility.

The GCDD is funded under the provisions of P.L. 106-402. The federal law also provides funding to the Minnesota Disability Law Center,the state Protection and Advocacy System, and to the Institute on Community Integration, the state University Center for Excellence. The Minnesota network of programs works to increase the IPSII of people with developmental disabilities and families into community life.